A commercial transport driver and his conductor have been arrested in Ashaiman over allegations of charging passengers fares above the officially approved rates.
The two suspects, identified as Abubakar Fuseini and his conductor, Majeed, were arrested by the Ashaiman Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) following growing complaints from commuters about unauthorised fare increases.
The arrests come amid increasing frustration among passengers, many of whom say some transport operators have been taking advantage of commuters by imposing higher fares without official approval.
According to reports, some passengers have also complained of being insulted or threatened with ejection when they challenge conductors over the fare increases.
The suspects were reportedly caught charging GH¢20 instead of the approved GH¢16 fare. Their arrest followed a targeted campaign led by Accra FM journalist Jacob Narbi, who drew attention to the alleged exploitation by some operators.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has maintained that no official fare increase has been approved.
The union has condemned the unilateral increase in fares, stressing that drivers who charge rates above the approved fares are acting illegally and could face sanctions.
Fuseini and Majeed are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. They are expected to be processed for court as the authorities continue their probe.
Transport authorities and passenger advocacy groups have meanwhile urged commuters to remain vigilant and report drivers who charge unapproved fares to the nearest police station or transport union office.
The move is intended to curb further fare abuses and ensure that passengers are not subjected to arbitrary charges.
